By Chaplain Sandy Good
Acts 2: 38-39 - "Peter replied, 'Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" The Wesleyan Study Bible CEB
The book of Acts records two separate bu similar Pentecost events, one among the Jews gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4) and later another among the gentiles gathered in the home of Cornelius in Joppa (Acts 10:44-48). Shortly before the second outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter had said to the people in Joppa, "I really am learning that God doesn't show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35).
Today the gift of the Holy Spirit is often called "Christian holiness." As we surrender our lives to God, the Holy Spirit anoints our hearts and minds with a purity of intention to honor and serve God and to keep His commandments. As we prayerfully follow the Spirit's leading, people around us see a real difference in our lives.
We realize the potential of our time and money. Christian stewardship takes on a new meaning as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our use of these valuable resources. Stewardship of our health also comes to the foreground.
The means of grace - like fasting, spiritual journaling, prayer, faith, reading scripture, and outreach - come into play. Our relationships are enriched as we place the happiness and well-being of others in better perspective and act accordingly. God has full range to do something new in our lives, something exciting that puts our gifts and talents to work.
Is your Christian testimony yesterday's news? A vibrant testimony includes what God is doing in our lives right now. Join me in prayer and honest self-examination this month. The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to light new fire in our lives.
Passage Guide: Acts 25 & Psalms 24